I was ten years old when Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) arrived at Medina. My mother and aunts used to urge me to serve the Prophet (ﷺ) regularly, and I served him for ten years. When the Prophet (ﷺ) died I was twenty years old, and I knew about the order of Al-Hijab (veiling of ladies) more than any other person when it was revealed. It was revealed for the first time when Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had consummated his marriage with Zainab bint Jahsh. When the day dawned, the Prophet (ﷺ) was a bridegroom and he invited the people to a banquet, so they came, ate, and then all left except a few who remained with the Prophet (ﷺ) for a long time. The Prophet (ﷺ) got up and went out, and I too went out with him so that those people might leave too. The Prophet (ﷺ) proceeded and so did I, till he came to the threshold of `Aisha's dwelling place. Then thinking that these people have left by then, he returned and so did I along with him till he entered upon Zainab and behold, they were still sitting and had not gone. So the Prophet (ﷺ) again went away and I went away along with him. When we reached the threshold of `Aisha's dwelling place, he thought that they had left, and so he returned and I too, returned along with him and found those people had left. Then the Prophet (ﷺ) drew a curtain between me and him, and the Verses of Al-Hijab were revealed.
Contextual Background
This narration from Anas ibn Malik (RA) provides crucial historical context for the revelation of Hijab verses. Anas served the Prophet (ﷺ) from age 10 to 20, giving him unique insight into this significant legislative development in Islamic history.
The Occasion of Revelation
The Hijab verses were revealed during the wedding feast of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with Zainab bint Jahsh (RA). This was a pivotal moment establishing proper etiquette for interaction with the Prophet's wives and, by extension, Muslim women in general.
The prolonged presence of guests after the wedding banquet necessitated divine intervention. The Prophet's repeated exits and returns demonstrate his gentle approach to hinting that guests should depart, preserving the privacy of his household.
Scholarly Commentary on Hijab
Classical scholars emphasize that Hijab represents both physical covering and behavioral modesty. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this incident established the special status of the Prophet's wives as "Mothers of the Believers" requiring greater protection and reverence.
Al-Qurtubi explains that the curtain (hijab) mentioned symbolizes the separation between the Prophet's private life and public sphere, establishing boundaries for all Muslim households.
Legal Implications
This narration forms the basis for rulings regarding: privacy within marriage, etiquette of visiting, the obligation of Hijab for Muslim women, and the special reverence due to the Prophet's household. Scholars derive from this the importance of respecting boundaries and maintaining modesty in social interactions.
Spiritual Lessons
The incident demonstrates Allah's gradual revelation of Islamic legislation, the Prophet's impeccable manners in dealing with delicate situations, and the wisdom behind divine commandments that preserve family honor and social harmony.